"Ao, sir, did you... did you beat that white-haired boy?"
"Yes."
Chōjūrō's eyes lit up. "That's Ao for you! Just now... it was my fault for being so weak-minded. I was... completely overwhelmed by that boy's strength..."
Ao raised his head. "Learn from this, Chōjūrō. Your mental fortitude is far too poor. I hope this defeat helps you grow."
Chōjūrō said, "Y-yes! I'll remember your advice, sir!"
Ao waved a hand. "Enough of that for now. Help me bring that brat's body back. It's too valuable to fall into anyone else's hands..."
"Right!"
"Whew... this rebellion is finally over." Sighing, Ao walked toward where Kimimaro lay.
When they reached him, they saw Kimimaro lying motionless where he had fallen, without a trace of life.
"Is he dead?" Chōjūrō felt a little regretful. A child so talented should have had a limitless future, but now...
"Sigh..."
"Stop sighing, Chōjūrō. I'll leave finishing him off to you. Lord Mizukage has ordered that not a single member of the Kaguya Clan be left alive."
"But..." Chōjūrō lowered his head and said cautiously:
"He... he's still a child! Ao, sir, please spare him. He was only misled by the Kaguya clansmen. As long as we teach him properly from now on, I believe he'll definitely become a major fighting force for the village!"
At this, Ao snapped, "Are you going soft? Showing mercy to an enemy is the most foolish mistake you can make in war! Especially with the Kaguya Clan!"
"The Kaguya Clan's thinking is twisted. They're warlike by nature and seek nothing in life beyond fighting! You could call them the most bloodthirsty ninja clan!"
"And their kekkei genkai has a very serious drawback. The stronger their abilities, the worse the illnesses they bring! It might have something to do with how